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Monday, April 30, 2012

Most Wanted Deleted Scene

Congratulations to "Erin", the winner of Tiffany's giveaway. Thank you to all who participated.

Thank you to Just Romantic Suspense for hosting me today!

I really enjoy writing in the first-person. However, as a reader of first-person, it can sometimes be frustrating to not know what other characters are thinking or feeling. In TURN TO ME, the second book in my Kathleen Turner Series, I write a prologue and epilogue that are each in the third person – one from each of the heroes’ perspectives – as a bit of a “present” to my readers. Those chapters seem to have gone over very well, so I got the idea that it might be fun to fill in a “missing” scene from third-person point-of-view. I put a poll up on my website with four choices of scenes readers would like to read, and this scene was the #1 vote-getter. I hope you enjoy it.

Both books, NO TURNING BACK and TURN TO ME are only $2.99 on Amazon. In addition, TURN TO ME is available on BarnesandNoble.com for Nook – also for $2.99.

I’m giving away an ebook copy of TURN TO ME today – reader’s choice on which version they prefer – or a print copy, if that’s the winner’s preference (continental US only for that one, please).

By Request – Most Wanted “Deleted” Scene

In TURN TO ME (book two in the “Kathleen Turner Series”), Kathleen calls Blane when she throws Kade out, but Blane doesn’t pick up and she has to leave a voice mail.

Blane usually answers his cell, but wasn’t able to in this instance.

This is why.

(Warning-this scene may contain adult language.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blane cast one more penetrating glance behind him, assuring himself that he wasn’t being followed before silently sliding into his Jaguar. He’d parked several blocks away from The Drop and had stayed to the shadows when he’d left after having reassured himself that Kathleen was all right.

That had been the best part of the evening.

The pseudo-date with Apryl had left a sour taste in his mouth – regardless of the fact that he and Kat had been putting on a show for whomever was stalking her. Blane shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he recalled the anger on Kathleen’s face as she’d dumped what had seemed like a bucket of ice cold water in his lap.

He hadn’t been able to resist going back to see her after the scene they’d made. Apryl Gallagher – a woman he’d met a few times at the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings – had been none too pleased. She’d had been unaware of Blane’s ulterior motive in asking her out tonight. Thus she had filled his ear with a vitriolic diatribe as he’d driven her home telling him he was a “scum-sucking bastard” for using her to cheat on his now ex-girlfriend, what an utter waste of time he was, and how men like him didn’t deserve women like herself or Kathleen.

Blane wasn’t sure he disagreed on that last part.

When he’d finally pulled up to her house and made to get out of the car to walk her to her door, she’d told him in no uncertain terms exactly what he could go do with himself which was, fortunately for Blane, anatomically impossible.

Regardless of how it had made him look to Apryl, Blane felt better knowing he was doing something to try and resolve the situation with Kathleen. It wasn’t often he felt helpless, and other than protecting Kathleen, he was frustrated with his inability to pinpoint where the threat was coming from. If he could devalue her as a target, that would help, but his gut burned with the need to find who was terrorizing her – and make them pay.

Blane drove home through the dark, empty streets of Indianapolis, deep in thought. With Kade now here to watch over Kathleen, his worry eased. No matter how much Kade disliked Kathleen and disapproved of Blane’s relationship with her, Blane trusted him absolutely. She’d stay safe and Blane was now free to pursue the perpetrator.

He swung into his driveway, the luxury sports car making the turn with ease, its tires hugging the pavement before coming to a gentle halt. The warm purr of the engine faded to silence as Blane turned the car off and pocketed the keys.

The house was quiet and dark, Gerard and Mona having long since left for the evening. A nebulous discontent made Blane frown slightly as he walked through the silent home to the library. It would be nice to not come home to an empty house.

The library was dimly lit by the glow of the small lamp on the desk. Blane emptied his pockets on a nearby table, passing by matching leather chairs on his way to the sideboard to pour himself a drink. A brief picture of how Kat liked to curl up there and read while he worked flickered through his mind. He briefly considered calling her, just to hear her voice and say good night, then discarded the idea. No telling if someone would be listening in.

An awareness, long-honed by too many years spent ensuring his continued existence and those of the SEALs and Marines around him, had Blane reaching automatically for the gun at his hip. In the next second, the gun was in his hand and he’d pivoted, taking aim at the shadowed figure that had stepped into the room.

Relief was followed quickly by anger as Blane realized the identity of the intruder. Quickly controlling the instinctive fury at the brazenness of his uninvited guest, he holstered his gun and spoke.

“What are you doing here, Kandi?”

Kandi stepped into the circle of light cast by the lamp and Blane could see she was wearing one of his shirts. And nothing else. He inwardly sighed. This was not something he wanted to deal with tonight.

“That’s not what I mean,” she said. She sidled closer until she stood mere inches from him. Blane stood his ground, despite the distaste that made him want to step away from her. “I miss us. No one knows me like you do.” Her voice lowered to a husky whisper. “No one touches me like you can.”

Her palm lifted to rest on his chest, but Blane grabbed her wrist, preventing the action. That didn’t seem to deter her though, as she merely moved closer until her body was touching his, her breasts pressing against his chest. She insinuated a long, bare leg between his. Blane had to grasp her other wrist as well as she tried to slide her arm around his neck.

“Kandi, stop,” he ordered, reminding himself to be kind despite his irritation. He didn’t want to be cruel, but he had to get through to her. “You and I are over. It’s not going to happen.”

She laughed, throaty and seductive. “Don’t be ridiculous. You and I are best when we’re in bed. You know that.”

The press of her body against his, the smell of her hair, the sound of her voice – all of it at one time had been enough to make him want her. Now, it just left him cold.

“I don’t want you.” Blane’s tone was flat and implacable.

She looked at him, as though searching out the truthfulness of his words, then tears began to swim in her eyes. “How can you say that? It’s always been you. No one even comes close to being what you are to me.”

Blane checked his rising temper. Tears. Kandi could turn them on like flipping a switch. It used to work on him. Not anymore. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Kandi. You know I care about you. But I’m not the man for you.” He thought but didn’t say that she wasn’t the woman for him either. Perhaps at some point she had been, but not now.

Kandi ignored him, lifting her face to press her lips to the base of his throat, the skin left bare by the open collar of his shirt. Her perfume drifted over him, heavy and sweet. Blane did step back now, bringing her arms between them to forcibly keep her from touching him.

“You need to leave,” he said firmly, his patience at an end.

“It’s because of her, isn’t it?” Kandi’s voice had lost the soft, pleading tone, her words now colored with jealousy.

“It has nothing to do with her,” Blane lied. “You and I just aren’t meant to be.”

“Bullshit!” Kandi spat, wrenching her arms out of his grip. “That two-bit, white trash slut has you by the balls!”

Whatever sympathy Blane might have felt for Kandi evaporated in an instant. “You know where the door is, Kandi,” he said coldly. “I suggest you use it.” Turning his back to her, Blane went back to the sideboard, pouring himself a healthy dose of scotch.

“She’s not good enough for you, Blane,” Kandi continued, her tone vicious yet tinged with desperation. “She’s an orphan and has no connections to help you. A high school diploma is the extent of her education and she knows next to nothing about politics!”

Blane remained silent, emptying his glass in one swallow as the liquid burned a path down his throat. The iron control he usually had on his temper was slipping. His hand gripped the heavy crystal tumbler like a vice.

“Christ, she can hardly pay the rent on that shithole she lives in! She’s a nothing and a nobody, Blane! Fuck her all you want, but don’t try to pretend she’s anything more than a chance for you to go slumming!”

Blane’s control snapped. Turning, he hurled the empty glass. It sailed past Kandi and hit the wall behind her with a loud crash, shattering into a thousand pieces.

Kandi abruptly stopped speaking, her eyes wide in surprise and fear.

Finally, Blane spoke. “Get. Out.” He enunciated each word carefully, holding her gaze with his so she would know that he meant it. He was through hearing her disparage Kathleen, someone who’d shown him that a woman could want him for more than his power and money. Kandi had never wanted him, not really. She only wanted what he represented – power, wealth, influence.

Kandi hadn’t moved, her mouth open slightly as though she was going to say something. Blane hoped she thought real long and hard before doing that.

A ring shattered the silence. Blane glanced over at his cell phone where it sat on the table, Kathleen’s name and photo appearing on the brightly lit screen.

“Well, well. Looks like you’re little whore is calling you,” Kandi sneered. “Think she’d like it if I answered instead?” Kandi made a grab for the phone, picking it up before Blane could reach her.

At her side in two strides, Blane snatched it from her hand, hitting the button that would send the call to voice mail before shoving the phone into his pocket.

Kandi swung at him, her palm flying toward his face. Blane easily blocked the blow, catching her wrist in his grip.

“Get out before I throw you out,” he threatened.

“Fine,” she hissed, her eyes growing bright with unshed tears. “But you’re wrong, Blane. We’re meant to be together, and I’m not going to stop fighting for you. Or stop trying to get you to not make the biggest mistake of your life, not to mention your career.” Turning on her heel, she left the room.

Blane didn’t relax until he heard the front door open and close. Pulling his cell out, he listened to Kathleen’s voice mail.

Blane shoved a hand through his hair, frustration making his body tense. God damn it, what the fuck had Kade done now that Kathleen wouldn’t let him protect her? He could tell by her voice that she was upset. The last thing he needed was drama from his brother, of all people. All he had to do was protect Kathleen, not be best friends with her. Was that so fucking hard to do? He frowned in irritation as he dialed Kade’s number.

Giveaway ends 9pm EST May 1st. Please supply your email in the post. You may use spaces or full text for security. (ex. jsmith at gmail dot com) If you do not wish to supply your email, or have trouble posting, please email justromanticsuspense @ gmail.com with a subject title of JRS GIVEAWAY to be entered in the current giveaway.

I enjoy the first person, but the 3rd person narrative is such a fabulous way to get a peek into the minds of Kade and Blane.....helps add to the story for me. Loved them both, really looking forward to the next!

I enjoy both first and third person. What a powerful scene, wondering why it was deleted. Congratulations on the release of Turn to Me; hope it's very successful for you. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!k(dot)cherub2011(at)gmail(dot)com

Thanks for the fantastic teaser! Darn work has kept me so busy I haven't had a chance to read No Turning Back. Grrrr! Gotta get some time off :)

I don't mind either 1st or 3rd POVs. I used to not like 1st person but then I forced myself to read one and it blew me away and cured me of that fast! It'll be interesting to see where this "outtake" fits in. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Some of you raised questions about why it was a "deleted" scene. I'm afraid I meant that phrase as more tongue-in-cheek. The Kathleen Turner Series books are told in the first person and I thought readers might wonder at a few things that were outside the main character's POV, hence "deleted." I couldn't put them in because, well, Kathleen wasn't there to witness it! But I had a lot of fun writing from Blane's perspective!

I completely agree, but I just don't think Kade sees her in that way. I think it's too late. He's just too in love with Kat. But either way, I am DEFINITELY pulling for Blane. Although I'm guessing it won't be easy. I think Kathleen will realize she has stronger feelings for Kade than she thought. However, I think her feelings for Blane are much more powerful than that.

I as well happened upon the first book on Amazon and loved it. I was sooooo excited to know that the second book was just released that I bought it right away. I am a huge fan of your books. Love the triangle but I agree, sharing does not seem to be the way the brothers would work it out. I am thinking Kat/Princess won't be able to handle the polictics and therefore end up with Kade but Branna would be my second choice for Kade. I just hope whatever happens it works out for all of them. What job besides The Drop does Kat have now - didn't Blane fire her? If Kade is her boss and he just left until June what is she going to do? So excited!! This will be a great Xmas gift- From Me , To Me!!! LOL!

One of the comments was that Kade hooked up Branna - I can't agree more. I have written the third book in my head many times - but the outcome I see as the most logical from what I have gathered as the characters personalities is Kat and Blane do get together - but she keeps her apartment for a while and keeps him on his toes and that Kade and Branna get together - although there is jealousy from Branna and Blane as Kade and Kathleen relate to each other on such a deep level that is leaves Branna and Blane with mixed feelings and jealousyas they try to relate to their significant others as Kade and his "princess" do. What a great Christmas it will be with book # 3 being released.

I just finished the second book!! Couldn't put it down. Both of the books are amazing. I'm sad I finished them so fast haha Christmas is so far away. I cant wait for the third. I hope Kat and Blane work it out. :)

I've found your books & read them both this week. I loved them, the plots are so well written & keep you guessing & the characters are just so likeable. Kathleen is a great character to read. Shes quirky, brave, clumsy, frustrating, kind hearted but mostly lovable & you just find yourself hoping that everything will work out for her, especially with all the scrapes she gets into. I love the guys & how you've gradually got to know them better & the whole love triangle thing is really interesting. Clearly both Blane & Kade love her & I find myself routing for both of them at different points in the book. I can't help feeling that she would be happier with Kade in the long run though. He seems to see her very clearly & they seem to connect on a deeper level. Blane seems to be heading for a political life & I can't see her ever truly being happy as a politicians 'wife' with all the demands that would entail no matter how much she loved him. Really looking forward to book 3!

Omega this was wonderful...reading how Blane felt and too see that he genuinely cares about Kathleen just makes me want them to work out more ...Illbbe awaiting the release of the third book ..does anyone know what it will be titled

I just finished reading the second book in this series, I do hope for more. After reading all the previous posts I see that so many of us agree the series should continue! I do think Blane and Kathleen should be together and Kade and Branna are a great match to. I just hope that Kathleen and Blane will go ahead and tell each other how much in love they are and get that part over with???

I have just finished reading the 2nd book and I want more. I want Kat to be with Blane but I hope Kade and Branna will get together. I do not want any of the main characters to die, please. I am looking forward to the 3rd book.

LOVE the series so far...can't wait for the 3rd book!! I'm guessing Kathleen said something about "love" in her sleep while in the hospital and the brothers don't know who she was sleep talking about!!! I love them both but see a bro/sis bond could grow btwn Kat and Kade with him protecting her. -here's hoping for an EARLY release in Nov hehe!!

Just finished book 2. Blane is a great guy, but still seems to see Kat as his pet - someone he takes care of without leting her have her say in the matter. Kade seems to really know her and care more about her thougths and feelings. The way the characters have developed, it definitely feels like Kat and Kade should be together!!! Kade can't walk away cold and brokenhearted after the horrible childhood he had!

Dear Ms. Snow, thank you so much for letting us, the reader know the reason why Blane didn't pick up for Kathleen. It was good to see how protective and in love Blane is with Kathleen. I would love for Blane and Kathleen to get engaged/ married, and I would love to see Kandi's expression, it would be priceless. Kathleen , Blane, and Kade have abandonment issue, that's why I would like for Blane and Kathleen to end up together. It wouldn't be good for Kade and Kathleen to end up together, Kade would always think that Kathleen is thinking of Blane, and she probably would be, making their relationship sour. Plus Blane would hate them both for betraying him. Kade needs someone that loves him, and I can see him with Branna or CJ ( the computer wiz).I can't wait for the third book. Thank you Ms. Snow for such a great book series.

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A recipe that includes a dash of desperation, a smidgen of danger, a dollop of adventure and a healthy portion of passion. Sprinkle a happy ending on top and you have the perfect meal. - JUST ROMANTIC SUSPENSE